Five members of the Maryland Jeet Kune Do Academy in Odenton travelled to Washington, DC to compete in one of the top Chinese boxing tournaments in the United States. All five competed in the limited sanshou divisions. These students have been training very hard over the past three months for this competition and performed admirably. For all of the fighters, it was their first competition.

Limited sanshou is a controlled contact, continuous sparring event in which practitioners attempt to apply their traditional Chinese boxing techniques in an alive environment. It is often used to prepare inexperienced fighters for later, full contact leitai fighting, or for children under the age of 18. Participants are allowed to kick to the legs, body, and head, as well as punch to the head and body. Strikes to the front of the face are forbidden. Some events allow for takedowns and throws.

James represented MDJKDA in the adult mens' beginners division. James has been studying Jeet Kune Do for over a year, and this was his first competition. He performed admirably, and though he lost, he continued to fight on in the face of an opponent who blitzed him with multiple combinations to the head. A person's first fight is always tough, and James showed that he has it in him to succeed.

Jordan and Luukas were both slatted to fight in the boys' beginners, ages 6-7 bracket. Luukas was forced to withdraw at the last minute, but is looking to compete at the US Kuoshu Championship next month. Jordan fought a great series of matches to eventually take second place in his division. He fought so well at the beginner's level, that when an Intermediate level exhibition match opened up, he was allowed to compete, also taking second place in that match as well.

Annika competed in the girls ages 9-11 beginners division. At age 9, she was much smaller than many of her opponents, as you can see. However, she showed know fear and continued advancing forward, blasting her opponents in the chest, even if it meant wading through some strong kicks to get into range. She showed incredible fortitude through three fights, eventually taking third place.

The standout of the team was Jake, who competed in the boys 9-11 beginners division and took first place, out of four fights. His first two opponents quit at the end of their first rounds with Jake, overwhelmed as he blitzed them with lead leg round kicks. straight blast punches, and back fist punches to the head. His second two fights were equally as impressive, as Jake's excellent footwork, distancing, and unrelenting offense won him the gold medal.

The team performed amazingly and Sifu JB Jaeger could not be more proud and pleased with their performance. None of them are resting on their laurels though. The US Kuoshu Championship is next month, and they will continue training hard!